PRESEASON '25 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS, DEFENSIVE LINE

 These rankings are for my preseason top NFL Draftable players. Off course these ratings are subject to change by year end but it will be fun to see what the season  shows us. As in my Draft analysis, I use  my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and  the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by, and failing!!   New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players.

 4-3 DEFENSIVE END

 CLASS GRADE  C+

This is a group based more on potential and flashes rather that production and consistency. This list will likely change more than any position.

Rk     Player                           Sch      Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Jack Sawyer                    OSU   6-4    267     This season he finally lives up to recruiting hype.

2.Ashlon Gillotte               Lou     6-3    270      I see him fitting here, other will see that also, EVENTUALLY!.

3.Jared Ivey                       Miss     6-5    265      With a threat on the other side he puts it all together.

4.Mykell Williams            Ga        6-4    265       With their rotation his numbers suffer, the talent is real.

5.Jah Joyner                    Minn     6-5    265      He took major steps last season, look for another large leap.

6.Prince Umanmeilen Miss      6-4    245      15 sacks, 24.5 TFL's at Fla. Look for a huge season

7.Jasheen Davis             WFrst   6-3    260     He quietly had a huge season last years, look for more.

8.D Dennis Sutton      PennSt   6-4    261     This season he moves into a full-time roll.

9.Marvin Jones             FlaSt      6-5   250      Raw talent who needs snaps, wasn't getting them at Ga

10.Ethan Burke                Tx        6-6    260      He took big steps last season, he can move up this list fast!

Others to watch:

R J Oben  NDame, Derek Moore  Mich, Tyler Barron   Mia(F), Malachi Lawrence   UCF, Fadil Diggs   Syr,  Brian Ugwu  Mia(O) LT Overton  Ala.

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 3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS 

 CLASS GRADE  C-

Another position that is top-heavy at this time. The top 2 can be  completely dominant at times  and likely will ascend into the Top 15, possibly Top10, after that , this season is HUGE for the rest on the group look for lot's of movement.

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Nic Scouurton          TxAM     6-4    280    This transfer will BLOW UP when he is not the only guy.

2.JT Tuimoloau          OhioSt   6-4    270    He can take over a game, that needs to happen more.

3.Landon Jackson      Ark        6-7    282    Great size, very active for a big man, surprising quickness.   

4.Sai'von Jones           LSU       6-6    280    I'm higher on him than most, love the upside.

5.Jordan Burch            Ore       6-5    275    He gets better every season, look for that this year.

6.Akeem Mesidor       Mia(F)  6-2    280    Great 1st step makes up for height.

7.Ryle Mills                 NDame  6-5    295     Playing inside now, it will take some work but major upside.

8.Sean Martin            WVir       6-5    290     Get's upfield quicker than others think, he can move up.

9.Vernon Broughton  Tx        6-4    305    Plays the nose at UT, he has the ability to step outside.

10.TJ Sanders             SCar      6-5    295    Rotational player who have the ability to step up.

Others to watch:

Warren Brinson  Ga,  Aeneas Peebles VaTch, Tyler Batty   BYU,  Yahya Black  Iowa,  Ahmed Hassanein   Biose, Ty Robinson  Nebr. Deandre Jules   SCar

  4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLE 

    CLASS GRADE A

A rare very loaded class this season even by my standards. Often I feel NFL Execs over -value this position. This year there are guys who can change games. 2/3 1st rounds are likely and up to 6 by day 2. Several in the watch section have the ability to make a major move also.

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Walter Nolen                 Miss     6-4   290     Versatile, can play outside also. He lives up to hype this season

2.Tyliek Williams         OhioSt   6-3   318     Not a NT to me. He's too good,  best 1st step in the group.

3.Shemar Turner          TxAM     6-3   300     He received some DE help, he can do much more now.

4.Mason Graham          Mich       6-3   318     Productive and well-coached, could move to NT

5.Howard Cross          NDame    6-1   288     Quick, active productive, except getting to QB

6.Joshua Farmer         FlaSt      6-3    318      Powerful, gets great straight ahead push.

7.Tim Smith                     Ala         6-3    302     I keep thinking his time has come, I'm still waiting!

8.Bear Alexander         USC       6-3    300      Solid inside, needs to get some QB pressure

9.Delmonte Capehart Clem   6-4    295      He should have a larger role this season.

10.Junior Tafuna         Utah     6-3     308     He must stay healthy this season.

Others to watch:

Ty Hamilton  OhioSt, Damon Payne   Ala, Tonka Hemingway   SCar, Davin Vann   NCSt, Omar Norman-Lott  Tenn, Jamaree Caldwell    Ore, Aaron Graves   Iowa, Kristian Williams    Mo, Bryson Eason     Tenn

 NOSE TACKLES

 CLASS GRADE  A

 Another RARE class for the position. One and possibly two 1st round picks here. Several more with Day two potential and every player mentioned here can get drafted if they make it happen this season.

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Deone Walker               Ky       6-5    348    A rare talent at the position, possibly 1st round material.

2.Dontay Corleone       Cinn    6-3    320    Quick 1st step, gets penetration and finishes.

3.Lee Hunter                     UCF    6-4   320     Watch how fast this guy rises up other lists this season.

4.Kenneth Grant            Mich   6-3    339   Really jumped last season, look for for.

5.Nazir Stackhouse        Ga      6-3   320    Quick, strong athletic. Can play 3 Tech

6.Cam Johnson                Fla     6-6    360   Massive space eater who is tough to move, little pass rush

7.Zeek Biggers              GaTc    6-6     333    Strong, athletic, versatile. Can play anywhere inside.

8.Nash Hutmacher     Nebr    6-4     320    Hard to move, 4.5 Sacks last season.

9.Thor Griffith               Lou      6-2     310     Very powerful and active, 3 tech ability, wild upside.

10.Joe Evans                UTSA    6-2   340    Strong space eater, classic fire plug in the middle.       

Others to watch:

Derrick Harmon  Ore, Jaheim Oatis    Ala, Alfred Collins   Tx, Jay Toia  UCLA  , Domonique Orange  IowaSt, JJ Pegues  Miss,